Top 10 Films of 2015

Better late than never? I wanted to see a few more films before I finalized my list. Still haven't seen every film from 2015 I wanted to or probably should have seen. Oh well. Here are my top films of 2015. That I've seen. So far...and once again, my top films. Not yours. Mine....let's begin.

10.  Creed
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone

The Rocky films can always get you pumped up when you're watching them, but they also have a lot of heart to them, and Creed is no exception. But at the same time, it breathes new life into a tired franchise, with a story about legacy and identity. The director/actor combo of Coogler and Jordan is proving to be a force to be reckoned with, and some of the fight choreography is stunning. Stallone gives one of his best performances, taking the character of Rocky Balboa to new, emotional heights. I certainly didn't expect Creed to be a success, but I'm very glad I was wrong.

9. Ant-Man
Directed by Peyton Reed
Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lily, and Michael Douglas

This was a tough call. I knew there was no way I could put both this and Avengers: Age of Ultron on this list (I mean I certainly could have and you would all been like 'Oh what a surprise both MCU movies made it to Chris's Top 10 of 2015. Well surprise on YOU, mother lovers! Age of Ultron ain't on here!!). There were a lot of heavy hitters last year for me, and frankly when it comes down to it, Ant-Man is the better made film. The humor is off-the-wall, the script is more fluid, and it throws something new onto the Marvel Cinematic chessboard. Plus, Thomas The Tank Engine proved far more menacing than Ultron. Now, put your knives down and let's move on to number eight...

8. Kingsman: The Secret Service
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Starring Taron Edgerton, Colin Firth, and Samuel L. Jackson

Kingsman is one of the craziest, grooviest, action-packed films I've seen in most recent years. Fresh newcomer Taron Edgerton gives a career-jump-starting performance, which is something to say when he's working with such pedigree like Colin Firth and Michael Caine, who you would think be phoning in it a film like this, but they most definitely are not. The humor is outrageous. Honestly, how could a film that has Colin Firth, single-handedly fight his way out of a vicious shootout in a church full of radicals, all set to the guitar solo from "Free Bird" not end up on anyone's Top Films of 2015 list? Seriously if you're looking for a very well made, very fun film, see Kingsman.

 7. Mr. Holmes
Directed by Bill Condon
Starring Sir Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, and Milo Parker

As I said before, I really wish more people saw this film, because it's such a treat. It gives a very intriguing new look on the character of Sherlock Holmes, who is played here wonderfully by Ian McKellen. A little slow paced, but there's plenty of drama and intrigue to keep the audience captivated. Not many people probably remember this film now because it's been almost a year, which is a shame because it's such a unique film, with a creative story and terrific performances.

6. Room
Directed by Lenny Abrahamson
Starring Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay

An emotionally gripping film if I've ever seen one. Your heartstrings are 110% attached to the journey of Joy Newsome and her son Jack. That is of course in credit to the actors who portray them. Brie Larson more than deserved her Oscar. You are in Joy's corner right from the very beginning. Jacob Tremblay gives an amazing performance as Jack. This kid's got a bright future ahead of him. One movie and the world's already in love with him. Room leaves a deep impact on the viewer, that will stick with you long after the end credits roll.

5. The Hateful Eight
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Starring Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, and Walton Goggins

Tarantino does it again, with a brilliant script, beautiful score, and stunning visuals. Many of his regular cast members along with some new ones form one fantastic ensemble. Walton Goggins plays a deliciously despicable, almost dorky sheriff that ends up being one of the film's highlights, and Samuel L. Jackson adds another fantastic character into his filmography. The story seems simple, but as the film goes on it gets deeper, as it's revealed things are not what they appear, and you're left bubbling with intrigue. The Hateful Eight is another wonderful addition into Quentin Tarantino's art house.

4. Inside Out
Directed by Pete Docter
Starring Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, and Mindy Kaling

Inside Out is Pixar at its best. Pete Docter gives the studio another amazing entry into their canon, with a film that is unique, clever and emotionally uplifting. It features one of the best voice casts ever assembled, led by the amazing Amy Poehler, and a bunch of unforgettable characters (Bing Bong…). Inside Out should go down in history as one of the best animated films of all time, and definitely one of Pixar's best films. It's an emotionally poignant film that I think can touch the hearts of all ages…at least that's what the voices in my head say.

3. The Revenant
Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, and Domhall Gleeson

Leo finally got an Oscar! For one of the best performances of his career no doubt. The Revenant is an intense journey, both for Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) and the viewer. Featuring some truly heart-pounding sequences and beautiful imagery, it's not a film for the faint of heart, but it's incredibly well made. Inarritu's work with the camera is as much a character in the film itself, much like it was in Birdman. Alongside Leo, Tom Hardy gives a great performance as the despicable John Fitzgerald. Seriously guys, The Revenant is so much more than terrifying bear attack scene. It's an edge-of-your-seat story of survival and revenge, and one of the must-see films from last year.


2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Directed by J.J. Abrams
Starring Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, and John Boyega

You shouldn't be surprised this ended up on the list. It was the biggest film of last year. From what I've come to learn in the months since I've seen it, The Force Awakens is probably not what everyone wanted in a new Star Wars film. Though for me, who wasn't a big fan of the franchise from the start, I thought it was practically perfect. It knows when to use the nostalgia of the older films, it knows when to let the new characters shine vs. the old ones, and the bottom line is it's pure fun. I think wether you love Star Wars or just love good movies, you can get caught up in the thrill that is Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It sets the franchise up for a beautiful future in a galaxy far, far away.

So what film did I love so much that it knocks Star Wars down to number two? What was my top film of 2015? Well I'll tell you. It's...

1. The Peanuts Movie

Directed by Steve Martino
Starring Noah Schnapp and Bill Melendez

In a time when big-screen adaptations of old cartoons often askew the source material with crude humor and pop culture references, The Peanuts Movie is arguably one of the most faithful film adaptations ever made. The animation is gorgeous, and spot-on. It's the old Peanuts comics strips brought to life. The voice cast, there's not a well recognized celebrity to be heard. It's all regular kids, who bring Charlie Brown (Schnapp) and his friends to life flawlessly. The humor is akin to classic Peanuts. The story of Charlie Brown's constant failed attempts to succeed, and win the admiration of his beloved Little Red-Haired Girl, is not something new. It's a story that has defined this character since his conception. But it's a perfect way to introduce this world to a new generation, and it can emotionally resonate with anyone.

There are times when we all feel like we just can't win. Failure has almost become our best friend. No matter what we do, our goals seem lightyears away. That's Charlie Brown's whole life, and no matter how many setbacks he faces, he just keeps trying. He doesn't give up. That is an incredibly important message to me that I think everyone needs to learn. Without spoiling too much, where Charlie Brown winds up at the end of the film, leaves a mark on the viewer with a mixture of hope, innocence, and self-worth.

I'm going to cut myself short because this is "Top Films of 2015" not "Peanuts Movie Review w/Top Films of 2015" but from the perspective of someone who partially grew up on Peanuts, The Peanuts Movie is a perfect adaptation. It's a brilliant, funny, heartwarming film, and it's my top film of 2015.


Runners Up In No Particular Order: Spotlight, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Sisters, Ted 2, The Martian...

….Now, to make sure this doesn't happen again next year. I'm going to start writing my "Top Films of 2016" right now.

Film Review- "Inside Out"

Inside Out
Directed by Pete Docter
Starring Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, and Mindy Kaling

I can't believe it's been two years since I reviewed Monsters University. It feels like an eternity since we've had a Pixar film. Some would go further, and say it feels like an eternity since we've had a good Pixar film. I am not one of those people. I enjoyed both Brave and Monsters University (not Cars 2), but not everyone else did, but that's besides the point. Now with Inside Out, I think everyone can agree Pixar has triumphed once again.

The film opens on the birth of a little girl named Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), and the creation of her first emotion, Joy (Poehler). As time goes on and Riley grows, Joy is joined by other emotions, like Sadness (Smith), Disgust (Kaling), Fear (Bill Hader), and Anger (Lewis Black). The self-proclaimed leader of Riley's emotions, Joy struggles to keep Riley happy through all of life's challenges.

Joy finds her job even more difficult when Riley and her parents pack up their beautiful life in the Midwest for a new one in San Francisco. Things go haywire on Riley's first day of school. During a conflict over Riley's core memories, Joy and Sadness get sucked out of headquarters (Get it?), and lost in the other regions of Riley's mind. The two have to make their way back, while the other emotions try to navigate Riley through this tough period of her young life.

Such a bizarre concept, that works so beautifully. The way the writers formed the inner workings of the mind is so creative, and it brings a bunch of fun and laughs to the script. It's been a few weeks since I saw the film, and I still believe there are little emotions running around in my head. You would think characters that are just singular emotions would be so one dimensional but they're not. The highlight of this film of course is Joy. Through all her hardships, her deep connection to Riley keeps her strong and positive. Amy Poehler, giving an almost Leslie Knope-like performance, is perfect casting. This role was made for her.

I think one of the film's greatest achievements is while we spend more time with Riley's emotions than Riley herself, you still feel for Riley and her struggles. Even though this whole movie is taking place literally inside her head, you know and feel the stakes being raised. Her story is one anyone can relate to, and once again, Pixar provokes tears.

In addition to Poehler, all the other emotions are perfectly cast. Smith, Hader, Black, Kaling…I can't even begin to express how well these actors fit their roles. One character that's been left out of the trailers and commercials is Riley's imaginary friend, Bing Bong, played by Richard Kind. He ends up being a big scene stealer, and one of the film's highlights, in ways I can't go into. When he joins up with Joy and Sadness on their journey that's when the sparks really fly.

Pete Docter has already won two Oscars for the two films he's done with Pixar (Monsters Inc and Up), and it's a safe bet he's going to get his third from Inside Out. Creative, thought-provoking, fun, and emotionally uplifting, it's everything you would hope for in a Pixar film.